Do public comments matter on mining?DNR officials say they want substantive, technical comments on PolyMet mining's environmental study. But what about the thousands of comments that have already been received?

Dayton's wish list for public worksThe Legislature will have the final say on what's called the bonding bill, and it will need a 60 percent supermajority in both the House and the Senate to pass. Here's what's on the wish list.

No bonding money for Southwest light railThe governor turned down the LRT project for a second year, and took the opportunity to bemoan Minnesota's habit of paying for transit projects in piecemeal fashion.

J.C. Penney to cut 2,000 jobs, close 33 storesWorthington Mayor Alan Oberloh said company officials told him 20 employees in Worthington will lose their jobs. The store was one of the anchor tenants in Worthington's Northland Mall.

Blizzard in progress west, temps plummet todayBlizzard conditions continue today from the Red River Valley into western and southwest Minnesota. The worst reports are from open areas, and on east-west oriented roads as blowing snow accumulates.

Should public schools randomly drug test students?The Duluth school district is considering a policy that would allow require random drug tests for students, as administrators view substance abuse as a growing problem. What do you think about that? Tell us.

Huge Brainerd ice fishing fundraiser is a goThe Crow Wing County sheriff has checked the ice on Gull Lake and has given the green light to the Brainerd Jaycees' 24th annual ice fishing fundraiser that draws more than 10,000 anglers.